Blood Flow Restriction Exercise for Successful Aging

PURPOSE: Generally, an increase in life expectancy is accompanied by various geriatric diseases. However, there is a possibility that geriatric diseases can be prevented and improved through exercise. Exercise is recommended for older adults, but high-intensity exercise (HIE) increases the risk of potential injury. Therefore, blood flow restriction exercise (BFRE) is attracting attention as an alternative for older people who cannot perform HIE. However, mechanisms underlying the physiological effects and benefits of BFRE in older adults have not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to summarize the effects of BFRE on aging-related physiological changes and examine its applicability as an effective intervention for successful aging.METHODS: A literature search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, was conducted for literature published between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2022.RESULTS: BFRE can effectively increase muscle mass and strength in older adults. Chronic BFRE improved blood pressure, vascular function, and arterial compliance. Although BFRE did not induce changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and cognitive function, positive effects were shown by increasing bone formation markers and neurotrophic factors expression. Relatively, the risk of side effects of BFRE was very low, and even older patients with cardiovascular diseases appeared to have no risk.CONCLUSIONS: This review confirms that BFRE can be an effective and safe intervention to increase muscle mass and strength and improve cardiovascular function. Moreover, BFRE can potentially improve BMD and cognitive function in older adults. In conclusion, BFRE can be an effective intervention for successful aging; additional follow-up studies are needed.